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#indieFashion ‘s #blackTieAffair

December 15, 2025

Indie Fash, short for Indie Fashion and Arts Network, produced one of their many fashion shows this past Saturday, December 13th in Decatur, Georgia. Although the network is new on my radar, it is apparently an established company which highlights the importance of providing the independent designer and upcoming models a voice in an otherwise tough industry to gain recognition. The show was produced in a rather large church, which set the tone for the evening.

In the final moments of rehearsal, I was able to witness CEO & Founder, Daishawn Franklin in action. He was firm, but kind, when instructing the models, some of which appeared to be a bit timid or newer to the game, on how to master the runway. Breathing confidence with every instruction, Daishawn commands that type of respect and attention. His passion is evident within the production value of his shows.

Fashion is not for the weak-of-heart. There is often many emotions stiched into every part of the show. What this production did not lack was that of preparation. From sound, visuals, lighting and marketing, Indie Fashion has set its professional presence — properly.

What I loved about the production is that fashion has no set location. Fashion shows are often held in the most un-conventional locations. Shows have been held in warehouses, to forests and even to most recently via the ocean!

It is the fashion itself which sets the vibe for the show. A well-planned line up of designers is an absolute must. Saturday’s line up consisted of just that, encompassing a fresh set of designers, all masters of their own styles.

They are as follows: Stacy A. Lawes International, DUS Couture, Megan Marie International, C. Denim, Success and Leisure, Sonday Best, Red Funk Collection and House of Imah.

The event was hosted by Comedian/Actor/Fashion Connoisseur Jonathan Slocumb. With his wit and humor, Jonathan connected with the audience, especially as it relates in their support of the models. Performing on any level can conjour feelings of nervousness, doubt and the likes, but Jonathan was able to intuitevly break the invisible ice, as he always does.

Overall, the show delievered. The designers involved very personal drivers within their art, penning a script that their fashion was able to embody. Jonathan engaged with each one at the end of their collective show, just to understand them on a deeper level. That is something that I actually adored. Many times we do not get to hear directly from the designer at fashion shows, I thought this made for a very endearing touch.

I also applaud the decision to be unconventional. This was not your typical fashion show. Everyone was welcome. It was a true representation of what I believe fashion is today. To exclude one from appreciating fashion is a tragic offense that takes place way too often. Indie Fashion is clearly making a statement and a loud one at that. Keep up with Indie Fashion and make sure to support their next endeavor which is slated during NYFW on Saturday, February 14th, 2026.

ANJI RAY
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#FACEsOfFashion2025 – Press Junket – #aGlamExperience

On Saturday, September 13, 2025 Anji Ray Productions attended the press junket for this year’s “FACEs of Fashion”, an annual event produced by Poshe Productions in partnership with Fulton County Government in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was held at Social Capital, a soulful restaurant located in the recently opened Origin Hotel Atlanta.

The acronym F.A.C.E. accurately represents #Fashion . #Arts . #Culture . & #Education . Fulton County Arts dubbs the concerted effort as “Where Fashion, Art & Culture Collide” and rightfully so.

In his recent interview with FCTV – Fulton Government Television during the press junket, Fulton County’s Director of Arts & Culture, David Manuel coined F.A.C.E.s as the intersection of, “The Met Gala and Art Basel“.

The event was an amazing time of networking, great vibes, outstanding food and included a sneak peek of some of the featured designers to include but not limited to textile fashion designer Therez Fleetwood, Aakofii, Avnah Long of AVNAH , Fitz Constaintine & Dustin Smith of Phillip Grandison, designer Afreen Khundmiri , Nadia Wasti of Patuti, Repurposing Fashion Designer Jen Re’Style Fashion, and student designers Anya Alford, Sanaa Venkateswar, and Latham Fleming.

While many of the featured designers were in attendance, others were in prior committments for events surrounding fashion week throughout the nation.

F.A.C.E.s annually kicks off Atlanta’s own fashion week/month and absolutely never disappoints.

Atlanta has always been known as the Hollywood of the South primarily for its influence in the music industry, and as a nod to that, one of this year’s honorees is none other than So So Def‘s Jermaine Dupri, a legend in his own right.

Additionally, as a nod to the educational portion of the effort, beloved actor Jasmine Guy, most widely recognized for her role in hit television show, “A Different World” is also a distinguished honoree.

Again, this is not a comprehensive list of all designers and honorees but it lends a particular insight into the effort that Fulton County Arts & Culture bestowes upon those passionately pursuing and involved in their craft.

Also in attendance at the press junket was Commissioner Dana Barrett of District 3.

Fulton County has definitely gotten it right. It all starts with the local government’s interest and effort in sustaining and advocating for the arts, especially during times of divisive efforts to erase, or shall we say, “abbreviate” history and its impact within the arts.

The press junket was hosted by none other than the award-winning and talented actor Jasmine Burke. Jasmine is also the founder of TheJasmineBurkeFoundation.org a foundation whose heart lies in being “Your Trusted Guide for Substance Use Disorder Resources“.

The F.A.C.E.s of Fashion’s Glam Experience is to be held this Saturday, September 20th at Atlantic Station’s Twelve Hotel from 6-10pm and will be hosted by THEE affable, comedian and actor Jonathan Solcumb . If it’s any indicator on the rising popularity of #FACES as a unique voice in fashion, — the event is SOLD OUT!

However, now that #FACEsOfFashion is on your radar, perhaps you will mark 2026’s event as one to attend.

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HOTEL CENTRAL PANAMÁ: Presidential Luxury Hotel Steeped in Rich History Highlights Casco Viejo

HOTEL CENTRAL PANAMÁ: Presidential Luxury Hotel Steeped in Rich History Highlights Casco Viejo

Central Hotel Panamá is a premiere five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Casco Viejo.  Built in 1874, this structure has withstood the test of time.  Established as Panamá’s first hotel and sanctioned as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural beauty, Central Hotel Panamá has a rich history amongst the world’s high society.  Past guests include but are not limited to President Theodore Roosevelt, developer of the Suez Canal Count Ferdinand De Lesseps, and French builders of the Panamá Canal.  The establishment was built by renowned Frenchman Emil Dreyfous.  In fact, it is rumored that its elegant staircase was constructed by Harland & Wolf, the same builders of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase. 

The hotel consists of 135 rooms with six different floorplans and is guaranteed to satisfy every type of traveler.  Its whispers of opulence and grandeur emanate throughout its corridors.  A few years ago it underwent a meticulous $10 million dollar renovation to preserve its façade and quite honestly it shows.  Restored hardwood flooring spans throughout the establishment accented by skylights which illuminate the courtyards and provides an additional layer of sophisticated airiness.

Central Hotel Panamá sets itself apart from other establishments by providing continuous live entertainment.  One is stirred from sleep by classical instrumental praise music in the mornings.  Piano, guitar or violin performances pacify the spirit throughout the day and sleep is induced by the strings of a harp.

Its amenities include a rooftop pool, an intimate spa, three distinct and inviting restaurants, a beauty salon, a 24-hour fitness center, smart conference rooms, transportation services and customized preparations to compliment any occasion.

Although each one of its floorplans are comfortable, the suites (Junior, Suite and Presidential) offer the closest resemblances to an apartment.  Purpose built with more than sufficient space, Juliet balconies, jet tubs, freestanding rainforest showers (accompanied by never-ending hot water), smart lighting and flatscreen television(s); each guest’s comfort is guaranteed.  Honorable mention also goes to the strong central air system which is a refreshing respite after a long humid day. 

Food choices in Casco Viejo are abundant and one may have a difficult time deciding amongst the many choices.  Central Hotel Panamá’s abundant breakfast options make at least one of those decisions easier.  The foods range from local fruits, cheeses, yogurts, breads, a variety of Panamanian gastronomy dishes, waffles, pancakes, coffee, teas, and fresh juices. 

Although your time at Central Hotel Panamá may be limited, it is highly recommended that at least one dinner should be experienced at Bistró Central.  The restaurant boasts exquisite Panamanian cuisine carefully curated to match the hotel’s overall vibe.  If an authentic local meal is what is desired, Bistró Central does not disappoint. 

Safety is also worth mentioning.  Whilst no one place is promised to be completely crime free, Central Hotel Panamá provides extra measures in making their guests feel secured.  The main entrance to the hotel is only accessible after hours by the guest’s room key.  Not only is this an additional layer of security but a smart one as well.

Overall, your experience at Central Hotel Panamá will ensure an unforgettable memory and will always be your home away from home. 

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Keep Hustlin’

Hey #ANJELS!

“Persistency is key”.  Those words-of-wisdom were uttered to all of my mother’s children growing up, and has stayed with me throughout my life.  I’ve learned that if you do not ask, you will not receive.  Plain and simple.

Listen, I’m in a space in my life where my passion for my craft is fueling my dogmatic attitude.  As a novice entrepreneur, I’ve always heard that the first few years you are in business are the worst.  Uncharted territory is always a bit scary, however, in my case I find it fascinating.

Change is great!  If I could scream this from the mountain-top, I would.  Mastering my own time and business has given me a renewed sense of achievement that I was vying for in corporate America.  Entrepreneurship definitely comes with its own set of challenges, but without challenges there is no value.

The golden rule, as told to me by my mentors, is that for every 100 “No’s” there’s a “Yes”.  You only need one #YES to open doors.  I’ve lost count of mine.  Keep hustlin’ #ANJELS , your breakthrough is coming.

xoxo

@anjiray

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#BlackPanther : An Out-Of-Body Experience Like No Other

The journey into the world of #BlackPanther , indeed makes one want to live in #WakandaForever . Cinema has proven itself to be a staple pastime of the human culture, oftentimes serving as a catalyst to escape many of the world’s problems, from domestic terrors to international catastrophes, moviegoing has withstood the test of time.  #BlackPanther has completely changed the game as it pertains to #diversity in #Hollywood, the power of #socialmedia and box office success.

Sitting in the theatre, legs propped and seat reclined, the 8-year old little girl in me watched the big screen in complete awe as the all-black cast of superheroes graced us with two hours of #blackexcellence.  In all of my childhood, I never saw a riviting blockbuster like #BlackPanther .  Sadly, there’s a game within the African-American community that many of us played called “Count the Black People”.

As if the title is not an indication in itself, the game centered around counting the number of black people in any given movie and rooting for them, even if their role seemed insignificant.  For years, we have yearned to connect with characters that are representative of ourselves, but no longer is that the case.

Ryan Coogler has masterfully created a motion picture in which every walk of society can participate in.  As if his superb direction isn’t enough, Coogler co-wrote the $200 million dollar blockbuster with Joe Robert Cole.  Together the two African American screenwriters shattered the ridiculous myth that people of color do not sell out at the box office, especially overseas.  According to #THR, the weekend is not even over and the numbers are tracking to break records with Thursday raking in $25M and Friday flooding in at $75.8M  domestically.  Internationally the blockbuster has raked in over $25 million!

Coogler is a visionary in cinema and that has been proven in his previous pieces of work, Creed and Fruitvale Station respectively.  That’s right, although his resume is sparse, his talent is not and that is what sells.  Talent.  It is something that you just can not deny.  Ryan put together a stellar cast which includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Forest Whitaker, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, Florence Kasumba, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, Letitia Wright, John Kani, Atandwa Kani, Isaach de Bankole and Sydelle Noel.  The bar has been risen and if it’s not excellent, #WeDontWantIt.

The stereotypes that so many actors of color have had to endure over the years simply do not exist in #BlackPanther.  Each character is deeply layered and exceptionally smart.  I believe that every child should see this film because it is one of those films that changes one’s outlook on life.

Hope?  It gives it to you.

Pride? Yep, your head will bob a little higher leaving the theatre.

Joy? Like you’ve never experienced before.

The checklist of emotions that #BlackPanther evokes is one that rarely comes around, and this is only the beginning.  The script unfurls a saga that will forever be held at the same level as other legendary pictures such as Star Wars, ET, The Color Purple, Avatar, The Avengers, Superman, Batman, etc.

I could go on and on about the film being excellent but that would be redundant. Odie Henderson from Roger Ebert gave #BlackPanther a rare 4/4 stars, so if that is not convincing, then I do not know what else to say that would be.

As an entertainer, I was blessed to be a part of the Marvel Studio masterpiece.  Although, I was a background actor, the experience was just as magical as the movie.   “There’s no such thing as a small part”, I was told during my conservatory training at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and they were right.  I’ll forever carry an extra sense of pride that I was privileged  to sit on that bus (in the opening scene) and watch a tiny piece of the #BlackPanther production.

In closing, book your ticket to #Wakanda now, I heard seats are selling out worldwide.